[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 97 (Wednesday, May 20, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27674-27675]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13292]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-13-AD; Amendment 39-10535; AD 98-11-08]
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 certain Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series
airplanes, that requires replacement of the non-return valves located
in the engine fuel feed lines on the outer fuel tank with new return
valves; and, for certain airplanes, replacement of the inner tank
booster pump canisters with modified canisters. 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 sticking of non-return valves located
in the fuel system, which could result in an internal fuel transfer
from the center tank to the inner or outer tank. Such a transfer of
fuel could lead to fuel spillage overboard through the vent system, and
consequent insufficient fuel for the airplane to reach its flight
destination.
DATES: Effective June 24, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of June 24, 1998.
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, A310,
and A300-600 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
March 27, 1998 (63 FR 14849). That action proposed to require
replacement of the non-return valves located in the engine fuel feed
lines on the outer fuel tank with new return valves; and, for certain
airplanes, replacement of the inner tank booster pump canisters with
modified canisters.
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 supports the proposed rule.
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 103 Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
The FAA estimates that the required replacement of the non-return
valves will take approximately 66 work hours
[[Page 27675]]
per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $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 this action
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $407,880, or
$3,960 per airplane.
The FAA estimates that the required replacement of the inner fuel
tank booster pump canisters will take approximately 12 work hours per
airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $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 this action
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $74,160, or
$720 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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:
98-11-08 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10535. Docket 98-NM-13-AD.
Applicability: Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes;
on which Airbus Modification 8928 or 6094 has not been installed;
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 (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 prevent sticking of non-return valves located in the fuel
system, which could result in fuel spillage overboard and consequent
insufficient fuel for the airplane to reach its flight destination,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 8928 has not been
installed: Replace the non-return valves located in the engine fuel
feed lines on the outer fuel tank with new non-return valves, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-0063, Revision 01
(for Model A300 series airplanes); Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-
2053, Revision 01 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-28-6031, Revision 01 (for Model A300-600
series airplanes); all dated January 15, 1997; as applicable.
(2) For extended range twin-engine operations (ETOPS) airplanes,
or airplanes equipped with auxiliary tanks; on which Airbus
Modification 6094 has not been installed: Replace the inner tank
booster pump canisters with modified canisters, in accordance with
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-0071 (for Model A300 series
airplanes); A310-28-2124 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-
28-6054 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); all dated January 15,
1997; as applicable.
(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, 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(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.
(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following
Airbus Service Bulletins, as applicable:
A300-28-0063, Revision 01, dated January 15, 1997;
A310-28-2053, Revision 01, dated January 15, 1997;
A300-28-6031, Revision 01, dated January 15, 1997;
A300-28-0071, dated January 15, 1997;
A310-28-2124, dated January 15, 1997; and
A300-28-6054, dated January 15, 1997.
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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 97-082-215(B), dated March 12, 1997.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on June 24, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 13, 1998.
John J. Hickey,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-13292 Filed 5-19-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
