[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18709-18711]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-10504]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-237-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320 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 certain Airbus Model A320 series
airplanes. This proposal would require an inspection to detect damage
to the electrical wiring of the fuel tank of the wings and to verify if
the proper P-clip is installed in the electrical wiring. The proposed
AD would also require re-fitting any proper P-clip, replacing any
improper P-clip with a new P-clip, and repairing damaged electrical
wiring. This proposal is prompted by a report that incorrect P-clips
were found installed in the electrical wiring of the fuel system on
these airplanes. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended
to ensure that the proper P-clips are installed. Improper P-clips could
fail to adequately safeguard the fuel tank of the wing against a
lightning strike, which could result in electrical arcing and resultant
fire.
DATES: Comments must be received by June 10, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-237-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: Charles Huber, Aerospace Engineer,
[[Page 18710]]
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:
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 95-NM-237-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-103, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 95-NM-237-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Direction Gonorale 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 A320 series
airplanes. The DGAC advises that it has received a report that
incorrect P-clips were found installed in the electrical wiring of the
fuel system on these airplanes. Investigation revealed that, during
production, skydrol-resistant ethylene propylene P-clips were installed
instead of fuel-resistant P-clips. Skydrol- resistant ethylene
propylene P-clips are not suitable for immersion in fuel. Such
immersion causes these clips to swell and lose flexibility. If the
skydrol-resistant ethylene propylene P-clips were to bend slightly,
they could fracture and deteriorate, which could fail to adequately
safeguard the fuel tank of the wing against a lightning strike. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in electrical arcing and
consequent fire.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-28-1052, Revision 1, dated
July 7, 1993, and Revision 2, dated September 8, 1994. The service
bulletins describe procedures for a one-time inspection to detect
damage to the electrical wiring and to verify if the proper P-clip is
installed in the electrical wiring at outboard rib 6 in the inner cell
of the fuel tank of the wings. The service bulletins also describe
procedures for re-fitting proper P-clips, and replacing improper P-
clips with a new fuel-resistant P-clip having P/N NSA5515-03NF or
NSA5516-03NV. The DGAC classified the service bulletins as mandatory
and issued French airworthiness directive 93-191-047(B), dated October
27, 1993, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in France.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in France and is 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 Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, the
proposed AD would require a one-time inspection to detect damage to the
electrical wiring and to verify if the proper P-clip is installed in
the electrical wiring at outboard rib 6 in the inner cell of the fuel
tank of the wings. The proposed AD would also require re-fitting proper
P-clips, and replacing improper P-clips with certain new fuel-resistant
P-clips. The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance
with the service bulletin described previously. If any damage is
detected to the electrical wiring, the repair would be required to be
done in accordance with the Airplane Wiring Manual.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 44 Airbus Model A320 series airplanes of
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required
parts would cost approximately $100 per airplane. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $12,320, or $280 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is 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.
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 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
[[Page 18711]]
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), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Airbus Industrie: Docket 95-NM-237-AD.
Applicability: Model A320 series airplanes, manufacturer's
serial numbers 129 through 343 inclusive, 345 through 347 inclusive,
and 349 through 363 inclusive; 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 (b) 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 ensure that the proper P-clips are installed, accomplish the
following:
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform
a one-time inspection to detect damage to the electrical wiring and
to verify if the proper P-clip is installed in the electrical wiring
at outboard rib 6 in the inner cell of the fuel tank of the wings,
in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1052, Revision 2,
dated September 8, 1994.
Note 2: Accomplishment of the actions specified in this
paragraph in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1052,
Revision 1, dated July 7, 1993, prior to the effective date of this
AD is considered acceptable for compliance with this paragraph.
(1) If any damage is detected to the wiring, prior to further
flight, repair it in accordance with the Airplane Wiring Manual.
(2) If a P-clip having P/N NSA5515-03NF or NSA5516-03NV is
installed, prior to further flight, re-fit it in accordance with the
service bulletin.
(3) If a P-clip having P/N NSA5516-03NJ is installed, prior to
further flight, replace it with a new fuel-resistant P-clip having
P/N NSA5515-03NF or NSA5516-03NV, in accordance with the service
bulletin.
(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 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.
(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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 23, 1996.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-10504 Filed 4-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
