[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 245 (Tuesday, December 22, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70637-70639]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33693]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-358-AD; Amendment 39-10952; AD 98-25-51]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 Series
Airplanes Equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 or 4000 Series Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) T98-25-51 that was sent
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain Airbus
Model A310 and A300-600 airplanes by individual telegrams. This AD
requires deactivation of both thrust reversers and a revision of the
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to ensure that safe and appropriate
performance is achieved during certain takeoff conditions. This action
is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent inflight deployment of a
thrust reverser, which could result in reduced controllability of the
airplane.
DATES: Effective December 28, 1998, to all persons except those persons
to whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T98-25-51,
issued on December 2, 1998, which contained the requirements of this
amendment.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director
[[Page 70638]]
of the Federal Register as of December 28, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before January 21, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-358-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The applicable service information 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: Greg Rutar, Airframe/Airworthiness
Branch, ANM-115, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-1137; fax (425)
227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 2, 1998, the FAA issued
telegraphic AD T98-25-51, which is applicable to certain Airbus Model
A310 and A300-600 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-
7R4 or PW4000 series engines.
The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that it received a
report indicating that the thrust reverser of engine number 1 on an
Airbus Model A300-600 series airplane deployed during climb. At the
time of the deployment, the engine was at climb power and the indicated
air speed was at approximately 240 knots. The corresponding engine was
set to idle power automatically. The auto restow function was activated
automatically by the aircraft system logic leading to the thrust
reverser being stowed away. Investigation revealed that the pressure
regulator shut-off valve was defective. However, a defective pressure
regulator shut-off valve is not enough to cause deployment of the
thrust reverser, unless another failure occurs at the same time. Airbus
is continuing further analysis and investigation to determine the cause
of the thrust reverser deployment.
Inflight deployment of a thrust reverser, if not prevented, could
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued All Operators Telex (AOT) 78-08, dated November
30, 1998, which describes procedures for deactivation of both thrust
reversers. The DGAC classified that AOT as mandatory and issued French
airworthiness directive T98-477-273(B), dated November 30, 1998, in
order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
France.
That French airworthiness directive also contains a note
recommending certain operational performance penalties be applied as
specified in Airbus Flight Operations Telex (FOT) 999.0124/98, dated
November 30, 1998, for airplanes on which the thrust reversers are
deactivated.
FAA's Conclusions
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 21.29) 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 the Requirements of the Rule
Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop
on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United
States, the FAA issued telegraphic AD T98-25-51 to prevent inflight
deployment of a thrust reverser, which could result in reduced
controllability of the airplane. The AD requires deactivation of both
thrust reversers, in accordance with the AOT described previously.
Additionally, the AD requires a revision of the FAA-approved
airplane flight manual (AFM), in order to ensure that safe and
appropriate performance is achieved during certain takeoff conditions
for airplanes on which both thrust reversers have been deactivated.
This AD requires a revision of the AFM to require performance penalties
for those certain takeoff conditions.
Interim Action
The requirements of this AD are considered to be interim action
until final action is identified, at which time the FAA may consider
further rulemaking.
Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual telegrams
issued on December 2, 1998, to all known U.S. owners and operators of
certain Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes equipped with
Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 or PW4000 series engines. These conditions
still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as
an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 39.13) to make it effective as to all persons.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an 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 98-NM-358-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
[[Page 70639]]
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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, 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:
98-25-51 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10952. Docket 98-NM-358-AD.
Applicability: Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes equipped
with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 or PW4000 series engines; 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 prevent inflight deployment of a thrust reverser, which could
result in reduced controllability of the airplane; accomplish the
following:
(a) Within the next 4 flight cycles after the effective date of
this AD, deactivate both thrust reversers in accordance with Airbus
All Operators Telex (AOT) 78-08, dated November 30, 1998.
(b) Within the next 4 flight cycles after the effective date of
this AD, revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane
Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following:
The takeoff performance on wet and contaminated runways with
thrust reversers deactivated shall be determined in accordance with
Airbus Flight Operations Telex (FOT) 999.0124/98, dated November 30,
1998, as follows:
For takeoff on wet runways, use performance data in accordance
with paragraph 4.1 of the FOT.
For takeoff on contaminated runways, use performance data in
accordance with paragraph 4.2 of the FOT.
[Note: This supersedes any relief provided by the Master Minimum
Equipment List (MMEL).]
Note 2: The ``FCOM'' referenced in Airbus Flight Operations
Telex (FOT) 999.0124/98, dated November 30, 1998, is Airbus
Industrie Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM), Revision 27 for
Airbus Model A310 series airplanes and Revision 22 for A300-600
series airplanes. [The revision number is indicated on the List of
Effective Pages (LEP) of the FCOM.]
(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, 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.
(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 deactivation of both thrust reversers shall be done in
accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 78-08, dated
November 30, 1998. 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 T98-477-273 (B), dated November 30, 1998.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on December 28, 1998, to
all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately
effective by telegraphic AD T98-25-51, issued on December 2, 1998,
which contained the requirements of this amendment.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 15, 1998.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-33693 Filed 12-21-98; 8:45 am]
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