[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 208 (Tuesday, October 28, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55726-55728]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-28320]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-155-AD; Amendment 39-10177; AD 97-22-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series
airplanes, that requires performing a ram air turbine (RAT) extension
test; removing and disassembling the RAT uplock mechanism; performing
an inspection to detect corrosion of the RAT uplock mechanism, and
replacement with a new assembly, if necessary; and cleaning all the
parts of the RAT control shaft and its bearing component parts. This
amendment is prompted by reports indicating that the RAT did not extend
during ground testing, due to corrosion in the uplock pin/shaft and the
needle bearing of the RAT. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to detect and correct such corrosion of the RAT, which could
result in failure of the RAT to deploy and subsequent loss of emergency
hydraulic power to the flight controls in the event that power is lost
in both engines.
DATES: Effective December 2, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 2, 1997.
ADDRESSES: 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 Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules
Docket, 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: Manager, International Office, ANM-
113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; fax (425) 227-
1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A310, and
A300-600 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
February 19, 1997 (62 FR 7380). That action proposed to require a RAT
extension test during ground testing; removal and disassembly of the
RAT uplock mechanism; a visual inspection to detect corrosion of the
RAT uplock mechanism, and replacement of the assembly with new parts,
if necessary; and cleaning of the lever assembly and its associated
parts.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Revision of Descriptive Language
One commenter points out that throughout the proposed AD it
references ram air turbine (RAT) uplock assembly and lever assembly as
if these assemblies are the same unit. However, Airbus Service Bulletin
A310-29-2076, dated April 1, 1996 (which is referenced in the proposal
as an appropriate source of service information) refers to these
assemblies as separate units. The FAA finds that clarification of this
point is necessary.
The FAA finds that ``RAT uplock assembly'' does not appear in the
proposed AD, but ``RAT lever assembly'' does. The FAA has determined
that the phrase ``RAT uplock mechanism,'' which includes both the lever
assembly and uplock unit, provides a more complete description, than
the phrase, ``RAT lever assembly.'' The FAA has revised the final rule
to include reference to ``RAT uplock mechanism'' and added a new NOTE 2
to provide a definition of that phrase.
Clarification of Requirements
One commenter points out that paragraph (a) of the proposed AD
references accomplishment of paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and
(a)(4) of the AD; however, paragraph (a)(3) and (a)(4) of the proposed
AD are missing. The FAA acknowledges that it inadvertently included a
reference to paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) in paragraph (a) of the
proposed AD. The FAA has revised paragraph (a) of the final rule to
delete these references.
Request To Defer Replacement of Corroded Parts
One commenter requests that paragraph (a)(2)(ii) be revised to
allow reinstallation of the corroded part and require its replacement
within 30 days. The commenter points out that operators would have to
stock every part of the subject assembly at the inspection stations
(which is not very practical), or its airplanes would have unnecessary
time out-of-service while waiting for parts. The FAA has reconsidered
replacing corroded parts prior to further flight. The FAA finds that
the cleaning and lubrication procedures of the RAT uplock mechanism can
be accomplished on a temporary basis, in lieu of replacement of
corroded parts. However, unlike the 12-month compliance time
recommended in the Airbus service bulletins specified as the
appropriate service information for this AD, the FAA has determined
that the corroded parts must be replaced within 30 days following
accomplishment of the cleaning and lubrication. The FAA finds that this
compliance time represents the maximum interval of time allowable
wherein the subject replacement could reasonably be accomplished,
uncorroded parts could be obtained, and an acceptable level of safety
could be maintained. Therefore, the FAA has revised paragraph
(a)(2)(ii) of the final rule accordingly.
Revision of Compliance Time in Paragraph (a) of this AD
In addition, the compliance time specified in paragraph (a) of this
AD has been revised to state, ``30 months since date of manufacture,''
rather than ``30 months total time-in-service,'' as stated in the
proposed rule. This change clarifies that the compliance is to be
determined based on calendar time, without regard to the amount of time
for which the airplane is operated.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
[[Page 55727]]
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 80 Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600
series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it
will take approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish the
required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour.
Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the
operator. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $48,000, or $600 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 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) 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:
97-22-06 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10177. Docket 96-NM-
155-AD.
Applicability: All Model Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600
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
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 detect and correct corrosion of the ram air turbine (RAT)
uplock pin/shaft and needle that could result in failure of the RAT
to deploy and subsequent loss of emergency hydraulic power to the
flight controls in the event that power is lost in both engines,
accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 30 months since the date of
manufacture, or within 3 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later: Accomplish the requirements of paragraphs
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-29-0108, dated April 1, 1996 (for Model A300 series
airplanes); A310-29-2076, dated April 1, 1996 (for Model A310 series
airplanes); or A300-29-6037, dated April 1, 1996 (for Model A300-600
series airplanes); as applicable. Thereafter, repeat these actions
at intervals not to exceed 30 months.
(1) Perform a RAT extension test on the ground, in accordance
with the procedures specified in the Maintenance Manual.
(2) Disassemble and remove the uplock mechanism of the RAT and
perform a visual inspection of the uplock mechanism to detect
corrosion, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, the RAT uplock mechanism
includes both the lever assembly and uplock unit.
(i) If no corrosion is detected: Prior to further flight, clean
and lubricate the uplock mechanism and its associated parts,
reinstall the assembly, and perform a retraction/extension/
retraction of the RAT, in accordance with the applicable service
bulletin.
(ii) If any corrosion is detected in any part of the uplock
mechanism, prior to further flight, accomplish either paragraph
(a)(2)(ii)(A) or (a)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin.
(A) Replace the uplock mechanism with a new part and perform a
retraction/extension/retraction of the RAT, in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin. Or
(B) Clean and lubricate the uplock mechanism and its associated
parts. Within 30 days following accomplishment of this cleaning and
lubrication, replace the uplock mechanism with a new part and
perform a retraction/extension/retraction of the RAT.
(b) Initial accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph
(a) of this AD that have been performed in accordance with Airbus
All Operator Telex (AOT) 29-16, Revision 01, dated January 10, 1996,
is considered acceptable for compliance with the initial RAT
extension test and an initial visual inspection as required by
paragraph (a) of this AD. However, the first repetitive inspection,
as required by paragraph (a) of this AD, must be performed within 30
months after that RAT extension test and visual inspection were
conducted, and repeated thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30
months.
(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, 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(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 actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-29-0108, dated April 1, 1996; Airbus Service Bulletin
A310-29-2076, dated April 1, 1996; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
29-6037, dated April 1, 1996; as applicable. 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 95-163-182 (B) R2, dated June 5, 1996.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on December 2, 1997.
[[Page 55728]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 20, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-28320 Filed 10-27-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
