[Federal Register: December 2, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 231)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 71455-71456]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02de02-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-40-AD; Amendment 39-12969; AD 2002-24-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series
Airplanes; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-
600) Series Airplanes; and Model A310 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; A300
B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series
airplanes; and Model A310 series airplanes. This amendment requires
revising the Airplane Flight Manual to advise the flightcrew to don
oxygen masks as a first and immediate step when the cabin altitude
warning horn sounds. This action is necessary to prevent incapacitation
of the flightcrew due to lack of oxygen, which could result in loss of
control of the airplane. This action is intended to address the
identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective January 6, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Information pertaining to this AD may be examined at the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate,
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to
[[Page 71456]]
include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all
Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and
F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes; and Model A310
series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on July 17,
2002 (67 FR 46937). That action proposed to require revising the
Airplane Flight Manual to advise the flightcrew to don oxygen masks as
a first and immediate step when the cabin altitude warning horn sounds.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
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 168 Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4; A300-600;
and Model A310 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by
this AD. It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to
accomplish the required actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $10,080, or $60 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is 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. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct
effect 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, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
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, 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:
2002-24-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-12969. Docket 2002-NM-40-AD.
Applicability: All Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes;
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600)
series airplanes; and Model A310 series airplanes; certificated in
any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent incapacitation of the flightcrew due to lack of
oxygen, which could result in loss of control of the airplane,
accomplish the following:
Revision to the Airplane Flight Manual
(a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable, to
advise the flightcrew to don oxygen masks as a first and immediate
step when the cabin altitude warning horn sounds.
(1) For Model A300 series airplanes, revise the Emergency
Procedures section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).
This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
``Emergency Procedures
Cabin Depressurization:
Crew Oxygen Masks..................... ON
Crew Communications................... established
Passenger Oxygen...................... as required
Emergency Descent..................... as required (see 3.02.00
page 8)''
(2) For Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes: Revise the
Procedures Following Failure section of the FAA-approved AFM. This
may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
``Procedures Following Failure
Cabin Press:
Excess Cab Alt........................
Oxy Masks............................. ON
Descent............................... AS RQRD
If Rapid Decompression Emerg Descent APPLY''
Proc.
Removal of AD From AFM
(b) When the information included in the AFM procedures
specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD has been
incorporated into the FAA-approved general revision of the AFM, and
the information contained in the general revision is identical to
that specified in this AD, this AD may be removed from the AFM.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Operations Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(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.
Effective Date
(e) This amendment becomes effective on January 6, 2003.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 21, 2002.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-30341 Filed 11-29-02; 8:45 am]
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