[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 156 (Thursday, August 13, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43349-43351]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-21715]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-187-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A300,
A310, and A300-600 series airplanes, that currently requires performing
a ram air turbine (RAT) extension test; removing and disassembling the
RAT uplock mechanism; performing an inspection to detect corrosion of
the RAT uplock mechanism, and replacement with a new assembly, if
necessary; and cleaning all the parts of the RAT control shaft and its
bearing component parts. This action would require modification of the
RAT unlocking control unit, which would constitute terminating action
for the repetitive tests and inspections. This action also would limit
the applicability of the existing AD. 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 prevent corrosion of the RAT uplock pin/shaft and
needle, which could result in failure of the RAT to deploy and
consequent loss of emergency hydraulic power to the flight controls in
the event that power is lost in both engines.
DATES: Comments must be received by September 14, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-187-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 98-NM-187-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.
[[Page 43350]]
98-NM-187-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
Discussion
On October 20, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-22-06, amendment 39-10177
(62 FR 55726, October 28, 1997), applicable to all Airbus Model A300,
A310, and A300-600 airplanes, to require performing a ram air turbine
(RAT) extension test; removing and disassembling the RAT uplock
mechanism; performing an inspection to detect corrosion of the RAT
uplock mechanism, and replacement with a new assembly, if necessary;
and cleaning all the parts of the RAT control shaft and its bearing
component parts. That action was prompted by reports indicating that
the RAT did not extend during ground testing, due to corrosion in the
uplock pin/shaft and the needle bearing of the RAT. The requirements of
that AD are intended to detect and correct such corrosion of the RAT,
which could result in failure of the RAT to deploy and consequent loss
of emergency hydraulic power to the flight controls in the event that
power is lost in both engines.
Issuance of New Service Information
The manufacturer has issued Airbus Service Bulletins A300-29-0109
(for Model A300 series airplanes); A310-29-2077 (for Model A310 series
airplanes); and A300-29-6038 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); all
dated January 27, 1997; which describe procedures for modification of
the RAT unlocking control unit, which would eliminate the need for the
repetitive tests and inspections. In addition, the service bulletins
limit the effectivity to those airplanes on which the modification was
not accomplished during production. Accomplishment of the actions
specified in the service bulletins is intended to adequately address
the identified unsafe condition. The Direction Generale de l'Aviation
Civile (DGAC) approved these service bulletins as optional terminating
action, and issued French airworthiness directive 95-163-182(B)R3,
dated May 7, 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 supersede AD 97-22-06 to
continue to require performing a RAT extension test; removing and
disassembling the RAT uplock mechanism; performing an inspection to
detect corrosion of the RAT uplock mechanism, and replacement with a
new assembly, if necessary; and cleaning all the parts of the RAT
control shaft and its bearing component parts. The proposed AD would
add a requirement to modify the RAT unlocking control unit, which would
constitute terminating action for the repetitive test and inspection
requirements. The proposed AD also would limit the applicability of the
existing AD to those airplanes on which the modification was not
accomplished during production. The actions would be required to be
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins described
previously.
Differences Between Proposed Rule and Foreign AD
The proposed AD would differ from the parallel French airworthiness
directive in that it would mandate the accomplishment of the
terminating action for the repetitive tests and inspections. The French
airworthiness directive provides for that action as optional.
Mandating the terminating action is based on the FAA's
determination that long-term continued operational safety will be
better assured by modifications or design changes to remove the source
of the problem, rather than by repetitive inspections. Long-term tests
and inspections may not be providing the degree of safety assurance
necessary for the transport airplane fleet. This, coupled with a better
understanding of the human factors associated with numerous continual
inspections, has led the FAA to consider placing less emphasis on
inspections and more emphasis on design improvements. The proposed
modification requirement is in consonance with these conditions.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 126 Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series
airplanes of U.S. registry that would be affected by this proposed AD.
The actions that are currently required by AD 97-22-06 take
approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be provided by
the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures,
the cost impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $75,600, or $600 per airplane.
The modification that is proposed in this AD action would take
approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost
approximately $1,972 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the modification proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $316,512, or $2,512 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or 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.''
[[Page 43351]]
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 removing amendment 39-10177 (62 FR
55726, October 28, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), to read as follows:
Airbus Industrie: Docket 98-NM-187-AD. Supersedes AD 97-22-06,
Amendment 39-10177.
Applicability: Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes
on which Airbus Modification 11527 has not 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 prevent corrosion of the ram air turbine (RAT) uplock pin/
shaft and needle, which could result in failure of the RAT to deploy
and consequent loss of emergency hydraulic power to the flight
controls in the event that power is lost in both engines, accomplish
the following:
Restatement of the Requirements of AD 97-22-06
(a) Within 30 months since the date of manufacture, or within 3
months after December 2, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-22-06,
amendment 39-10177), whichever occurs later: Accomplish the
requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0108, dated April 1,
1996 (for Model A300 series airplanes); A310-29-2076, dated April 1,
1996 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-29-6037, dated April
1, 1996 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); as applicable.
Thereafter, repeat these actions at intervals not to exceed 30
months.
(1) Perform a RAT extension test on the ground, in accordance
with the procedures specified in the Maintenance Manual.
(2) Disassemble and remove the uplock mechanism of the RAT and
perform a visual inspection of the uplock mechanism to detect
corrosion, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, the RAT uplock mechanism
includes both the lever assembly and uplock unit.
(i) If no corrosion is detected: Prior to further flight, clean and
lubricate the uplock mechanism and its associated parts, reinstall the
assembly, and perform a retraction/extension/retraction of the RAT, in
accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
(ii) If any corrosion is detected in any part of the uplock
mechanism, prior to further flight, accomplish either paragraph
(a)(2)(ii)(A) or (a)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin.
(A) Replace the uplock mechanism with a new part and perform a
retraction/extension/retraction of the RAT, in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin. Or
(B) Clean and lubricate the uplock mechanism and its associated
parts. Within 30 days following accomplishment of this cleaning and
lubrication, replace the uplock mechanism with a new part and
perform a retraction/extension/retraction of the RAT.
(b) Initial accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph
(a) of this AD that have been performed in accordance with Airbus
All Operator Telex 29-16, Revision 01, dated January 10, 1996, is
considered acceptable for compliance with the initial RAT extension
test and an initial visual inspection as required by paragraph (a)
of this AD. However, the first repetitive inspection, as required by
paragraph (a) of this AD, must be performed within 30 months after
that RAT extension test and visual inspection were conducted, and
repeated thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 months.
New Requirements of this AD
(c) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the RAT unlocking control unit in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-29-0109 (for Model A300 series airplanes); A310-29-
2077 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-29-6038 (for Model
A300-600 series airplanes); all dated January 27, 1997; as
applicable. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes
terminating action for the repetitive test and inspection
requirements 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 directive 95-163-182(B)R3, dated May 7, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 7, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-21715 Filed 8-12-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE CODE 4910-13-P
