[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 33 (Friday, February 19, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8232-8233]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-3725]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-301-AD; Amendment 39-11043; AD 99-04-18]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model 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 certain Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes, that
requires removal of the fuel level sensing amplifier (FLSA) of the trim
tank system, modification of the polarization pin code in the
electronics bay, and installation of a new, improved FLSA. This
amendment 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 continuous aft transfer of
fuel due to the FLSA not supplying electrical power to the trim tank
overflow sensor, which could result in potential loss of fuel during
flight.
DATES: Effective March 26, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 26, 1999.
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: 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: 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 certain Airbus Model A300-600
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 18,
1998 (63 FR 70068). That action proposed to require removal of the fuel
level sensing amplifier (FLSA) of the trim tank system, modification of
the polarization pin code in the electronics bay, and installation of a
new, improved FLSA.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the single comment received.
The commenter indicates that it has completed the subject
modifications in accordance with French airworthiness directive 98-249-
252(B).
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 61 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 3 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor
rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the
manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $10,980, or
$180 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:
99-04-18 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11043. Docket 98-NM-301-AD.
Applicability: Model A300-600 series airplanes on which Airbus
Modification 4801 was accomplished during production and on which
Airbus Modification 10778 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
31-6051, dated June 28, 1996) has been accomplished; except those
airplanes on which Airbus Modification 11683 (reference Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-28-6055, dated January 28, 1997, and Revision
01, dated July 24, 1998) has been accomplished; certificated in any
category.
[[Page 8233]]
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 request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) 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 continuous aft transfer of fuel due to the fuel level
sensing amplifier (FLSA) not supplying electrical power to the trim
tank overflow sensor, which could result in potential loss of fuel
during flight, accomplish the following:
(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, within 2
months after the effective date of this AD, remove the FLSA of the
trim tank system, modify the polarization pin code in the
electronics bay, and install a new, improved FLSA, in accordance
with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6055, Revision 01, dated July
24, 1998.
Note 2: Accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (a)
of this AD, prior to the effective date of this AD, in accordance
with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6055 dated January 28, 1997, is
considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable actions
specified in this AD.
(b) For airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6051,
dated June 28, 1996, is accomplished after the effective date of
this AD: Concurrent with the accomplishment of Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-31-6051, accomplish the actions required by paragraph
(a) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-
6055, Revision 01, dated July 24, 1998.
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
a FLSA having part number 722-295-2, on any airplane.
(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, 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.
(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.
(f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-28-6055, Revision 01, dated July 24, 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 98-249-252(B), dated July 1, 1998.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on March 26, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 1999.
John J. Hickey,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-3725 Filed 2-18-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
