[Federal Register: December 18, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 243)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 70429-70430]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18de03-5]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-137-AD; Amendment 39-13389; AD 2003-25-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-622R and A300 F4-
622R Airplanes, and Model A310-324 and -325 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 B4-622R and A300 F4-622R
airplanes, and Model A310-324 and -325 series airplanes, that are
equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series engines. This AD requires
replacement of the existing flexible hose assembly that connects the
oil pressure transmitter to the main oil circuit, with a new improved
tube assembly. This action is necessary to prevent failure of the oil
pressure indicator and low-oil-pressure warning in the event of an
engine fire, which could result in an unannounced shutdown of the
engine. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe
condition.
DATES: Effective January 22, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 22, 2004.
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.
[[Page 70430]]
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 include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 B4-622R
and A300 F4-622R airplanes, and Model A310-324 and -325 series
airplanes, that are equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series
engines, was published in the Federal Register on September 19, 2003
(68 FR 54872). That action proposed to require replacement of the
existing flexible hose assembly that connects the oil pressure
transmitter to the main oil circuit, with a new improved tube assembly.
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 has no objection to the
proposed AD.
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 139 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 10 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor
rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the
manufacturer at no charge. Based on these figures, the cost impact of
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $90,350, or $650 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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
0
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]
0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2003-25-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-13389. Docket 2002-NM-137-AD.
Applicability: Model A300 B4-622R and A300 F4-622R airplanes,
and Model A310-324 and -325 series airplanes, equipped with Pratt &
Whitney PW4000 series engines; certificated in any category; except
those on which Airbus Modification 12468 has been accomplished in
production.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of the oil pressure indicator and low-oil-
pressure warning in the event of an engine fire, which could result
in an unannounced shutdown of the engine, accomplish the following:
Replacement
(a) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD, replace
the existing flexible hose assembly, part number (P/N) 113286, that
connects the oil pressure transmitter to the main oil circuit, with
a new improved tube assembly, P/N 221-5318-501. Before further
flight after the replacement, perform a test of the engine oil
system. Do these actions according to the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin specified in paragraph (a)(1)
or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For Model A300 B4-622R and A300 F4-622R airplanes: Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-79-6003, dated January 31, 2002.
(2) For Model A310-324 and -325 series airplanes: Airbus Service
Bulletin A310-79-2004, dated January 31, 2002.
Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletins A300-79-6003 and A310-79-2004
refer to Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin PW4NAC A79-21, dated
October 15, 2001, as an additional source of service information for
the replacement required by this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(b) 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.
Incorporation by Reference
(c) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-79-6003, dated January 31, 2002; or Airbus Service
Bulletin A310-79-2004, dated January 31, 2002; as applicable. 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 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 2002-173(B), dated April 3, 2002.
Effective Date
(d) This amendment becomes effective on January 22, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 5, 2003.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-31059 Filed 12-17-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P