[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 148 (Wednesday, August 3, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-18769]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: August 3, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-NM-106-AD; Amendment 39-8990; AD 94-16-01]
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Industrie Model A340-211 and -
311 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Airbus Industrie Model A340-211 and -311 series
airplanes. This action requires modifying the bonding leads on the fuel
quantity indicating (FQI) probes or the temperature sensor, on the fuel
low pressure inlet pipe next to the compensator, and on the jet pump.
This amendment is prompted by results of a quality survey, which
revealed that there may be insufficient clearance between several
bonding leads and certain FQI system probes or the temperature sensor,
and between the bonding leads and the FQI probes and the compensator.
The actions specified in this AD are intended to eliminate such
insufficient clearance, which could lead to electrical arcing and a
resultant fire in the event of a lightning strike.
DATES: Effective August 18, 1994.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of August 18, 1994.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before October 3, 1994.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-106-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
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 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Slotte, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-2797; fax (206) 227-1320.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction Generale 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
Industrie Model A340-211 and -311 series airplanes. The DGAC advises
that results of a quality survey conducted by Airbus Industrie have
revealed that there may be insufficient clearance between several
bonding leads and certain fuel quantity indicating (FQI) system probes
or the temperature sensor. Further, insufficient clearance also may
exist between the bonding leads and the FQI probes in the inner
collector cell and the compensator. Such insufficient clearance, if not
corrected, could result in electrical arcing and a resultant fire in
the event of a lightning strike.
Airbus Industrie has issued Service Bulletin A340-28-4008, dated
July 9, 1993, which describes procedures for modifying the bonding
leads on the FQI probes or the temperature sensor. This modification
involves installing shorter bonding leads and/or rerouting certain
bonding leads on the water drain pipe, the engine fuel feed pipe, the
fuel recirculation pipe, the vent pipe, and the surge tank drain pipe.
Accomplishment of this modification will maintain the correct clearance
between the bonding leads and the FQI probes or the temperature sensor.
The DGAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued
French Airworthiness Directive 93-120-002(B), dated August 4, 1993, in
order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
France.
Airbus Industrie also has issued Service Bulletin A340-28-4012,
dated November 8, 1993, which describes procedures for modifying the
bonding leads on the fuel low pressure inlet pipe (next to the
compensator) and on the jet pump. This action involves installing a
sleeve on the bonding lead on the fuel pipe at certain FQI probes in
the inner collector cell and installing shorter bonding leads on the
fuel pipe at the compensator. Accomplishment of this modification will
maintain the correct clearance between the bonding leads and the FQI
probes and compensator. The DGAC classified this service bulletin as
mandatory and issued French Airworthiness Directive 93-206-003(B),
dated December 8, 1993, in order to assure the continued airworthiness
of these airplanes in France.
This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.19) 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.
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, this AD is being issued to prevent electrical
arcing and a resultant fire in the event of a lightning strike. This AD
requires modifying the bonding leads on the FQI probes or the
temperature sensor, on the fuel low pressure inlet pipe next to the
compensator, and on the jet pump. The actions are required to be
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins described
previously.
There currently are no Model A340-211 or -311 series airplanes on
the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this
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 that this rule is necessary to ensure that
the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of these
subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, it would require approximately 63 work hours to
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor charge of $55 per
work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no
cost to operators. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of
this AD would be $3,465 per airplane.
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no
additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal
Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this
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 under the caption
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional
rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the 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 that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 94-NM-106-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
94-16-01 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-8990. Docket 94-NM-106-AD.
Applicability: Model A340-211 and -311 series airplanes on which
Airbus Industrie Modifications 42337 and 42338 (reference Airbus
Industrie Service Bulletin A340-28-4012) have not been installed;
and on which Airbus Industrie Modification 42038 (reference Airbus
Industrie Service Bulletin A340-28-4008) has not been installed;
certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required within 100 landings after the effective
date of this AD, sunless accomplished previously.
To prevent electrical arcing and a resultant fire in the event
of a lightning strike, accomplish the following:
(a) Modify the bonding leads on the water drain pipe, engine
fuel feed pipe, fuel recalculation pipe, vent pipe, and surge tank
drain pipe in accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin
A340-28-4008, dated July 9, 1993.
(b) Modify the bonding leads on the fuel low pressure inlet pipe
(next to the compensator) and on the jet pump in accordance with
Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A340-28-4012, dated November 8,
1993.
(c) 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: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(d) 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.
(e) The modifications shall be done in accordance with Airbus
Industrie Service Bulletin A340-28-4008, dated July 9, 1993, and
Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A340-28-4012, dated November 8,
1993. 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.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on August 18, 1994.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 27, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-18769 Filed 8-2-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
