[Federal Register: December 5, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 234)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 67984-67986]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05de03-22]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-NM-284-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340-200 and -300
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This proposal would require
repetitive inspections for proper installation of the parachute pins
located in the escape slides/rafts at the door 3 Type I emergency exits
on the left and right sides of the airplane; a one-time inspection of
the associated electrical harnesses for the escape slides/rafts for
proper routing and installation; and corrective actions if necessary.
This proposal also would require adjustment of the speed lacing for the
soft covers of the escape slides/rafts, which would terminate the
repetitive inspections. This action is necessary to prevent failure of
the escape slides/rafts to deploy correctly at door 3 Type I emergency
exits, which could result in the escape slides/rafts being unusable
during an emergency evacuation, and consequent injury to passengers or
crew members. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe
condition.
DATES: Comments must be received by January 5, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-284-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232.
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 9-anm-nprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must
contain ``Docket No. 2001-NM284-AD'' in the subject line and need not
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or
ASCII text.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Airbus, 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: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2797; 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 action may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Submit comments using the following format:
[sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
[sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed
AD is being requested.
[sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each
request.
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 action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2001-NM-284-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. 2001-NM-284-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A330 and A340-200 and -300
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during a scheduled maintenance
operation, an escape slide/raft at a door 3 Type I emergency exit did
not deploy. Further investigation revealed that the parachute pin was
not correctly installed and had rotated from its normal position and
dropped through the first section of lacing on the soft cover of the
escape slide/raft, which prevented the soft cover from opening the
escape slide/raft. During another inspection it was discovered that the
electrical harness associated with the escape slide/raft was not
correctly installed and was not properly routed. Incorrect installation
and/or routing of the electrical harness could prevent slide/raft
detachment from the door after inflation. These conditions, if not
corrected, could result in failure of the escape slides/rafts to deploy
correctly at door 3 Type I emergency exits, on the left and right sides
of the airplane, which could result in the escape slides/rafts being
unusable during an emergency evacuation, and consequent injury to
passengers or crew members.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued All Operator Telexes (AOT) A330-25A3154 (for
Model A330 series airplanes) and A340-25A4172 (for Model A340-200 and -
300 series airplanes), both dated July 26, 2001. These AOTs describe
procedures for repetitive inspections for proper installation of the
parachute pins located in the escape slides/rafts at the door 3 Type I
emergency exits, on the
[[Page 67985]]
left and right sides of the airplane, a one-time detailed inspection
for proper installation and routing of the associated electrical
harnesses; and corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions for
the parachute pins include adjustment of the speed lacing for the soft
cover of the escape slides/rafts to prevent the parachute pins from
moving from their original position. This action eliminates the need
for the repetitive inspections of the parachute pins. Corrective
actions for the electrical harnesses include relocating the quick-
disconnect connectors. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the
AOTs is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
The DGAC classified these AOTs as mandatory and issued French
airworthiness directives 2001-359(B) R3, dated October 30, 2002, and
2001-360(B) R1, dated February 6, 2002, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
Both AOTs reference Goodrich Aircraft Evacuation Systems Alert
Service Bulletin 7A1509-25A324, dated July 16, 2001, as an additional
source of service information for adjusting the speed lacing.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Sec. 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 require accomplishment of
the actions specified in the applicable Airbus AOT described
previously, except as discussed below.
Difference Between Proposed Rule and Referenced AOTs
Operators should note that, although the referenced AOTs describe
procedures for reporting inspection results to Airbus, this proposed AD
would not require those actions. The FAA does not need this information
from operators.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 14 Model A330 series airplanes of U.S.
registry would be affected by this proposed AD, and that it would take
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed
inspections at the average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the proposed inspections on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $910, or $65 per airplane.
It would take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to adjust the
speed lacing for the escape slide/raft soft cover at an average labor
rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of
the proposed adjustment of the speed lacing for the escape slide/raft
soft cover on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,730, or $195 per
airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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. 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.
Currently, there are no Model A340 series airplanes on the U.S.
Register. However, should an affected airplane be imported and placed
on the U.S. Register in the future, it would require 1 work hour per
airplane to accomplish the proposed inspections and 3 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the proposed adjustment of the speed lacing for
the escape slide/raft soft cover, at an average labor rate of $65 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD
for Model A340 operators would be $260 per airplane.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132.
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 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:
Airbus: Docket 2001-NM-284-AD.
Applicability: Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes
equipped with an escape slide/raft having any part [chyph]number (P/
N) 7A1509-101 through 7A1509-117 inclusive, and any serial number
AD001 through AD0855 inclusive, at door 3 Type I emergency exits;
certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of the escape slides/rafts to deploy
correctly at door 3 Type I emergency exits, which could result in
the escape slides/rafts being unusable during an emergency
evacuation, and consequent injury to passengers or crew members,
accomplish the following:
Inspections
(a) Within 550 flight hours after the effective date of this AD:
Do a detailed inspection of the escape slides/rafts located at door
3 Type I emergency exits, on the left and right sides of the
airplane, for correct installation of the parachute pins, and a one-
time detailed inspection of the associated electrical harnesses for
correct installation of the quick-disconnect connector, in
accordance with paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of Airbus All Operator Telex
(AOT) A330-25A3154 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-25A4172
(for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes), dated July 26, 2001;
as
[[Page 67986]]
applicable. If any parachute pin or quick disconnect connector is
incorrectly installed, before further flight, do the corrective
actions per the applicable AOT. Repeat the inspections of the
parachute pins thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight
hours until accomplishment of paragraph (b) of this AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
Note 2: Repetitive inspections of the electrical harnesses are
not required.
Terminating Action for Repetitive Inspections
(b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Adjust
the speed lacing for the soft covers of the escape slides/rafts
located at door 3 Type I emergency exits, in accordance with
paragraph 4.3 of Airbus AOT A330-25A3154 (for Model A330 series
airplanes) or A340-25A4172 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes), both dated July 26, 2001; as applicable. This adjustment
terminates the repetitive inspections of the parachute pins required
by paragraph (a) of this AD.
Note 3: The AOTs reference Goodrich Aircraft Evacuation Systems
Alert Service Bulletin 7A1509-25A324, dated July 16, 2001, as an
additional source of service information for adjusting the speed
lacing.
Parts Installation
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
on any airplane an escape slide/raft having any P/N 7A1509-101
through 7A1509-117 inclusive unless the parachute pin has been
inspected and the speed lacing has been adjusted in accordance with
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directives 2001-359(B) R3, dated October 30, 2002, and
2001-360(B) R1, dated February 6, 2002.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 28, 2003.
Kevin Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-30223 Filed 12-4-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P