[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 59 (Friday, March 27, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14857-14859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8128]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-179-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A300-600, A310,
A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A300-600,
and A310 series airplanes, and certain Airbus Model A319, A320, A321,
A330, and A340 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive
visual inspections of the striker and guide valve of the passenger door
actuators and certain emergency door actuators for corrosion, and
corrective action, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by issuance
of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are
intended to detect and correct corrosion of the emergency actuator
mechanism, which could cause failure of the emergency actuator striker
mechanism on the passenger or emergency doors, and lead to difficulty
in opening the passenger or emergency doors during an emergency
evacuation.
DATES: Comments must be received by April 27, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-179-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.
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:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed 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 above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 96-NM-179-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 96-NM-179-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
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 all Airbus Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series
airplanes, and on certain Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that a failure of the emergency
power assist feature on a passenger door has occurred on one Model A320
series airplane. The failure of the emergency actuator, which provides
the power assist feature, was attributed to corrosion found in the
guide valve bore, on the striker end, and in the striker hole. The same
emergency actuator striker mechanism part is installed on
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all of the previously mentioned models; therefore, such corrosion may
exist or develop on these airplanes as well. This condition, if not
detected and corrected in a timely manner, could result in difficulty
in opening the passenger or emergency doors during an emergency
evacuation.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300-52-0168, dated December 4,
1996 (for Model A300 series airplanes); A300-52-6052, dated December 4,
1996 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); A310-52-2058, dated
December 4, 1996 (for Model A310 series airplanes); All Operator Telex
(AOT) 52-12, Revision 1, dated May 9, 1996 (for Model A319, A320, and
A321 series airplanes); A330-52-3038, Revision 1, dated December 2,
1996 (for Model A330 series airplanes); and A340-52-4048, Revision 3,
dated June 10, 1997 (for Model A340 series airplanes), which describe
procedures for the following:
visually inspecting the striker and guide valve of the
passenger door actuators (for all airplanes) and emergency door
actuators (for Model A321, A330, A340 series airplanes) for corrosion;
cleaning and reinstalling the emergency actuator striker
mechanism; and
replacing the emergency actuator striker mechanism with a
serviceable part.
The DGAC classified this service information as mandatory and
issued French airworthiness directives 97-062-213(B), dated February
26, 1997; 96-093-080(B)R2, dated October 22, 1997; and 96-195-037(B)R1,
and 96-196-048(B)R1, both dated December 3, 1997; in order to assure
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
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 Requirements of Proposed 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, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of
the actions specified in the service information described previously,
except as discussed below.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Related Foreign AD
Operators should note that, unlike the procedures described in the
previously cited French airworthiness directives; this proposed AD
would not permit dispatch with a door actuator striker mechanism
inoperative. The FAA has determined that, because of the safety
implications and consequences associated with such inoperative
equipment, any inoperative striker mechanism that is found to be
corroded must be either replaced or cleaned such that proper function
is restored prior to further flight.
Cost Impact: Model A300 and A300-600 Series Airplanes
The FAA estimates that 85 Model A300 and A300-600 series airplanes
of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would
take approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed
inspections, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $45,900, or $540 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
Cost Impact: Model A310 Series Airplanes
The FAA estimates that 41 Model A310 series airplanes of U.S.
registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take
approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed
inspections, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $14,760, or $360 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
Cost Impact: Model A319 and A320 Series Airplanes
The FAA estimates that 128 Model A319 and A320 series airplanes of
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take
approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed
inspection and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators
of these airplanes is estimated to be $30,720, or $240 per airplane,
per inspection cycle.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions
in the future if this AD were not adopted.
Cost Impact: Model A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes
There are currently no Model A321, A330, or A340 series airplanes
on the U.S. Register. All of these airplanes included in the
applicability of this proposed 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 it necessary to
include these airplanes in the applicability of this proposed rule in
order to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event
that any of the subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future.
Should an affected Model A321 series airplane be imported and
placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would take approximately
8 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspections. Based
on an average labor rate of $60 per work hour, the cost impact of the
proposed inspections would be $480 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
Should an affected Model A330 or A340 series airplane be imported
and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would take
approximately 32 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed
inspections. Based on an average labor rate of $60 per work hour, the
cost impact of the proposed inspections would be $1,920 per airplane,
per inspection cycle.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have sufficient federalism
implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
and (3) if
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promulgated, 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 copy of the draft regulatory
evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A
copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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:
Airbus Industrie: Docket 96-NM-179-AD.
Applicability: All Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series
airplanes; and Model A319, A320, A321, A330 and A340 series
airplanes, excluding Model A319 and A320 series airplanes on which
Airbus Modification 26015 has been accomplished, and excluding Model
A321 series airplanes on which both Airbus Modifications 26015 and
26211 have been accomplished, and excluding Model A330 and A340
series airplanes on which both Airbus Modifications 45090 and 45155
have been accomplished; 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 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 detect and correct corrosion of the emergency actuator
mechanism, which could cause failure of the emergency actuator
striker mechanism on the passenger or emergency doors, and lead to
difficulty in opening the passenger or emergency doors during an
emergency evacuation, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
or within 36 months after date of manufacture, whichever occurs
later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3 years: Perform
the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1) and/or (a)(2) of this AD,
as applicable, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-
0168, dated December 4, 1996 (for Model A300 series airplanes);
A300-52-6052, dated December 4, 1996 (for Model A300-600 series
airplanes); A310-52-2058, dated December 4, 1996 (for Model A310
series airplanes); A330-52-3038, Revision 1, dated December 2, 1996
(for Model A330 series airplanes); A340-52-4048, Revision 3, dated
June 10, 1997 (for Model A340 series airplanes); or Airbus All
Operator Telex (AOT) 52-12, Revision 1, dated May 9, 1996 (for Model
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); as applicable.
(1) For Model A321, A330, and A340 series airplanes: Visually
inspect the striker and guide valve of the emergency door actuators
for corrosion.
(2) For all airplanes: Visually inspect the striker and guide
valve of the passenger door actuators for corrosion.
Note 2: Additional service information regarding the required
inspections on Airbus Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series
airplanes is provided in RATIER-FIGEAC Service Bulletin 701-5000-52-
9, Revision 1, dated October 10, 1996.
(b) If corrosion is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish either
paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-52-0168, dated December 4, 1996 (for Model
A300 series airplanes); A300-52-6052, dated December 4, 1996 (for
Model A300-600 series airplanes); A310-52-2058, dated December 4,
1996 (for Model A310 series airplanes); A330-52-3038, Revision 1,
dated December 2, 1996 (for Model A330 series airplanes); A340-52-
4048, Revision 3, dated June 10, 1997 (for Model A340 series
airplanes), or Airbus AOT 52-12, Revision 1, dated May 9, 1996 (for
Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); as applicable.
(1) Clean the corroded areas of the emergency actuator striker
mechanism to restore proper function, and re-install the mechanism;
and, within 18 months after the corrosion is found, replace the
mechanism with a serviceable part. Or
(2) Replace the emergency actuator striker mechanism with a
serviceable part.
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
a passenger door or emergency door actuator on any airplane without
first inspecting that actuator in accordance with paragraph (a) of
this AD, and repairing, if necessary, in accordance with paragraph
(b) of this AD.
(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.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directives 97-062-213(B), dated February 26, 1997; 96-
093-080(B)R2, dated October 22, 1997; and 96-195-037(B)R1 and 96-
196-048(B)R1, both dated December 3, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 23, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-8128 Filed 3-26-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
