[Federal Register: December 23, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 246)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 74161-74163]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23de03-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-125-AD; Amendment 39-13387; AD 2003-25-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes, that currently requires modifying the fuel pipe couplings
and installing bonding leads in specified locations within the fuel
tank. This amendment continues to require the modification and
installation, but adds new modifications of the bonding leads for
certain airplanes. This amendment also changes the applicability of the
existing AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent
ignition sources and consequent fire/explosion in the fuel tank. This
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective January 27, 2004. The incorporation by reference of
certain publications, as listed in the regulations, is approved by the
Director of the Federal Register as of January 27, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of a certain other publication, as
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of
the Federal Register as of August 28, 2000 (65 FR 45513, July 24,
2000).
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2000-14-15,
amendment 39-11825 (65 FR 45513, July 24, 2000), which is applicable to
certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes, was
published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2003 (68 FR 53061).
The action proposed to require modifying the fuel pipe couplings and
installing bonding leads in specified locations within the fuel tank.
The action also adds new
[[Page 74162]]
modifications of the bonding leads, for certain airplanes, and changes
the applicability in the existing AD.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received. Two commenters have no objections or comments to
the proposed AD.
Request To Cite Revised Service Information
Two commenters ask that the new requirements section of the
proposed AD be changed to cite Revision 01, dated April 26, 2000;
Revision 02, dated June 28, 2000; and Revision 03, dated October 3,
2000; of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1077; as additional sources of
service information to use for accomplishment of the specified actions.
One commenter states that Revision 04, dated December 14, 2001 (cited
in the proposed AD for accomplishment of certain new actions) specifies
that no additional work is required on airplanes modified by Revision
01, 02, or 03.
The FAA agrees to add Revisions 01, 02, and 03 of the referenced
service bulletin as additional sources of service information for
accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (b)(1) of this
final rule. Those revisions are acceptable if accomplished before the
effective date of this AD, as the changes are mainly editorial changes.
Change to Final Rule
In paragraph (c)(2) of the proposed AD, we specified that
alternative methods of compliance (AMOC) approved previously for AD
2000-14-15, were not approved as AMOCs with this AD. We have changed
paragraph (c)(2) to specify that AMOCs approved previously are approved
as AMOCs with paragraph (a) of this AD. The AMOCs that have been issued
are not authorizing changes per the original issue of the service
bulletin; therefore, they meet the requirements specified in those
paragraphs.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously described.
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 227 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be
affected by this AD.
The actions that are currently required by AD 2000-14-15 take
between 20 and 100 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour. The cost of required parts is
negligible. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently
required actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be between $295,100
and $1,475,500; or between $1,300 and $6,500 per airplane.
Should an operator be required to accomplish the actions specified
in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1077, Revision 01, 02, 03, 04, or
05, it takes approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at
an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. The cost of required parts
is negligible. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these new
actions is estimated to be $130 per airplane.
Should an operator be required to accomplish the actions specified
in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1079, it takes approximately 6 work
hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $65 per
work hour. The cost of required parts is negligible. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of these new actions is estimated to be $390
per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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 removing amendment 39-11825 (65 FR
45513, July 24, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), amendment 39-13387 to read as follows:
2003-25-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-13387. Docket 2002-NM-125-AD.
Supersedes AD 2000-14-15, Amendment 39-11825.
Applicability: Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes;
certificated in any category; excluding those on which Airbus
Modifications 27150, 27955, and 27472 have been installed.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent ignition sources and consequent fire/explosion in the
fuel tank, accomplish the following:
Restatement of Requirements of AD 2000-14-15
Modification and Installation
(a) Within 36 months after August 28, 2000 (the effective date
of AD 2000-14-15, amendment 39-11825), modify the fuel pipe
couplings and install bonding leads in the specified locations of
the fuel tank, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-28-1077, dated July 9, 1999; Revision 01, dated April
26, 2000; Revision 02, dated June 28, 2000; Revision 03, dated
October 3, 2000; Revision 04, dated December 14, 2001; or Revision
05, dated August 27, 2002. As of the effective date of this AD, only
Revision 01, 02, 03, 04, or 05 may be used.
[[Page 74163]]
New Requirements of this AD
Modification and Installation
(b) Do the applicable actions required by paragraphs (b)(1) and
(b)(2) of this AD at the times specified.
(1) For airplanes on which the actions required by paragraph (a)
of this AD have been done per Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1077,
dated July 9, 1999: Within 36 months after the effective date of
this AD, install an additional bonding lead (including doing an
electrical resistance check) by doing all the actions per paragraphs
3.B.(3) and 3.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-28-1077, Revision 04, dated December 14, 2001;
or Revision 05, dated August 27, 2002. Accomplishment of the actions
before the effective date of this AD per Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-28-1077, Revision 01, dated April 26, 2000; Revision 02, dated
June 28, 2000; or Revision 03, dated October 3, 2000; is considered
acceptable for compliance with the actions required by this
paragraph.
(2) For airplanes on which an additional center fuel tank is
installed, as described in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1079,
dated November 30, 1998: Within 20 months after the effective date
of this AD, modify the fuel system of the additional center fuel
tank (including an electrical resistance check) by doing all the
actions per paragraphs 2.A. through 2.E. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c)(1) 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.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in
accordance with AD 2000-14-15, amendment 39-11825, are considered to
be approved as alternative methods of compliance with paragraph (a)
of this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-28-1077, dated July 9, 1999; Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-28-1077, Revision 01, dated April 26, 2000; Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-28-1077, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2000; Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-28-1077, Revision 03, dated October 3, 2000;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1077, Revision 04, dated December
14, 2001; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1077, Revision 05, dated
August 27, 2002; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1079, dated
November 30, 1998; as applicable.
(1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-28-1077, Revision 01, dated April 26, 2000; Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-28-1077, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2000; Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-28-1077, Revision 03, dated October 3, 2000;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1077, Revision 04, dated December
14, 2001; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1077, Revision 05, dated
August 27, 2002; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1079, dated
November 30, 1998; is approved by the Director of the Federal
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-28-1077, dated July 9, 1999, was approved previously by the
Director of the Federal Register as of August 28, 2000 (65 FR 45513,
July 24, 2000).
(3) 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 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 2002-202(B), dated April 17, 2002.
Effective Date
(e) This amendment becomes effective on January 27, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 5, 2003.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-31063 Filed 12-22-03; 8:45 am]
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