[Federal Register: December 18, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 243)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 70473-70475]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18de03-19]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-80-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600 and A300 C4-
600 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600
and A300 C4-600 series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-
time inspection to detect damage of the pump diffuser guide slots
(bayonet) of the center tank fuel pumps, the pump diffuser housings,
and the pump canisters; repetitive inspections to detect damage of the
fuel pumps and the fuel pump canisters; and corrective action, if
necessary. This action is necessary to detect and correct damage of the
center tank fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, which could result in
separation of a pump from its electrical motor housing, loss of flame
trap capability, and a possible fuel ignition source in the center fuel
tank. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe
condition.
DATES: Comments must be received by January 20, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-80-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. 2003-NM-80-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 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.
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 2003-NM-80-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. 2003-NM-80-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale 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 A300 B4-600 and
A300 C4-600 series airplanes. The DGAC previously advised the FAA that
damaged center tank fuel pumps and pump canisters had been found on
Airbus Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes.
Investigation revealed that the pump canister legs had cracked due to
fatigue. In one instance, this led to the separation of the upper part
of the pump canister from its lower part attached at the center tank
bottom wall. Fatigue cracking was also found at the base of the fuel
pump diffuser housing. The DGAC has since advised the FAA that fuel
tank pump canisters have also been found broken on Model A300 B4-600
and A300 C4-600 series airplanes, which are consequently subject to the
unsafe condition identified in this proposed AD: separation of a fuel
pump from its electrical motor housing, loss of flame trap capability,
and a possible fuel ignition source in the center fuel tank.
Related Rulemaking
On December 23, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99-27-07, amendment 39-
11488 (65 FR 213, January 4, 2000), for all Model A300 B4-600R and A300
F4-600R series airplanes. That AD requires a one-time inspection for
damage of the center tank fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters,
repetitive inspections of the fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, and
replacement of damaged parts with
[[Page 70474]]
new or serviceable parts. The actions specified by that AD are intended
to detect damage to the fuel pump and fuel pump canister, which could
result in loss of flame trap capability and could provide a fuel
ignition source in the center fuel tank.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued All Operators Telex (AOT) A300-600-28A6075, dated
February 20, 2003, which describes procedures for the following:
[sbull] A one-time detailed inspection to detect cracks, fretting,
and other damage of the lower part of the pump diffuser guide slots
(bayonet) of the center tank fuel pumps and the bottom of the pump
diffuser housings; and replacement of any damaged pump and its
corresponding fuel pump canister with new parts.
[sbull] A one-time detailed inspection to detect cracks of the
center tank fuel pump canisters, and replacement of any cracked fuel
pump canister and its corresponding fuel pump with new parts.
[sbull] Repetitive detailed inspections to detect damage of the
fuel pumps, and replacement of any damaged pump with a new part.
[sbull] Repetitive nondestructive test (NDT) inspections to detect
damage of the fuel pump canisters, and replacement of any damaged
canister with a new part. Replacement of a canister would reset the
inspection schedule for the next inspection to 7,000 flight cycles, to
be repeated within 1,500-flight-cycle intervals. Replacement of a
canister eliminates the need to reinspect the fuel pumps.
[sbull] A report of the findings for each inspection.
The DGAC classified this AOT as mandatory and issued French
telegraphic airworthiness directive 2003-085 (B), dated February 21,
2003, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
France.
Airbus AOT A300-600-28A6075 refers to Airbus Alert Service Bulletin
A300-28A6061, Revision 04, dated August 1, 2002, as an additional
source of service information for accomplishment of the NDT
inspections.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 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 and in accordance with the AOT described
previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between Proposed AD
and AOT/French Airworthiness Directive.'' This proposed AD would also
require that operators report their findings to the manufacturer.
Differences Between Proposed AD and AOT/French Airworthiness Directive
The DGAC issued French airworthiness directive 2003-085 (B) as
``telegraphic.'' The FAA agrees that the unsafe condition could warrant
immediate attention but finds it unnecessary to immediately adopt this
rule. At the time of issuance, this proposed AD would affect only two
airplanes. The FAA has been advised that the one-time detailed
inspections specified in paragraph (a) of this proposed AD (with a
proposed compliance time of 15 days) have been accomplished for both
affected airplanes. Furthermore, the proposed compliance time for the
repetitive inspections is long enough to provide notice and the
opportunity for public comment on the proposed rule.
The applicability/effectivity for the French airworthiness
directive/AOT includes A300 B4-600 and A300 C4-600 series airplanes,
which are identified as ``A300-600 aircraft without a fuel trim tank
system (pre-production Mod 4801).'' The only Model A300 C4-600 airplane
listed on the type certificate data sheet is the A300 C4-605 Variant F.
Therefore, the applicability of this proposed AD is Model A300 B4-601,
A300 B4-603, A300 B4-620, and A300 C4-605 Variant F series airplanes;
except those equipped with a fuel trim tank system.
The French airworthiness directive excludes certain airplanes
(serial numbers 546, 553, 618, and 623) that ``have already been
inspected per Airbus Alert Service Bulletin A300-28A6061.'' However,
that inspection must be repeated at regular intervals. The FAA finds
that those airplanes are still subject to the identified unsafe
condition and should be included in the applicability of this proposed
AD.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action. The inspection reports
that would be required by this proposed AD would enable the
manufacturer to obtain better insight into the nature, cause, and
extent of the fuel pump damage, and eventually to develop final action
to address the unsafe condition. Once final action has been identified,
the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the Proposed AD
On July 10, 2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR 39 (67
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products,
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs).
This proposed AD does not include this material; however, the office
authorized to approve AMOCs is identified in paragraph (d).
Change to Labor Rate Estimate
We have reviewed the figures we have used over the past several
years to calculate AD costs to operators. To account for various
inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find it necessary to
increase the labor rate used in these calculations from $60 per work
hour to $65 per work hour. The cost impact information, below, reflects
this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 2 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD. The detailed inspections would take about
2 work hours per airplane, and the NDT inspection would take about 5
work hours per airplane, per inspection cycle. The average labor rate
is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost per airplane is
estimated to be $130 for the detailed inspections and $325 per NDT
inspection.
The FAA has been advised that the proposed one-time detailed
inspections have already been accomplished for both of the U.S.-
registered airplanes. Therefore, the future economic cost impact of
this proposed AD on U.S. operators would be only $325 per airplane, per
each of the repetitive NDT inspections.
[[Page 70475]]
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, plan, or perform other administrative actions.
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 2003-NM-80-AD.
Applicability: Model A300 B4-601, A300 B4-603, A300 B4-620, and
A300 C4-605 Variant F series airplanes; certificated in any
category; except those airplanes equipped with a fuel trim tank
system (Airbus Modification 4801).
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect and correct damage of the center tank fuel pumps and
fuel pump canisters, which could result in separation of a pump from
its electrical motor housing, loss of flame trap capability, and a
possible fuel ignition source in the center fuel tank, accomplish
the following:
Detailed Inspections
(a) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD (unless
accomplished previously), perform detailed inspections as specified
in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with
paragraph 4.2 of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A300-600-28A6075,
dated February 20, 2003.
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.''
(1) Inspect the lower part of the pump diffuser guide slots
(bayonet) of the center tank fuel pumps and the bottom of the pump
diffuser housings to detect cracks, fretting, and other damage.
Replace any damaged pump and the corresponding fuel pump canister
with new parts before further flight in accordance with the AOT.
(2) Inspect the center tank fuel pump canisters to detect
cracks. Replace any cracked fuel pump canister and the corresponding
fuel pump with new parts before further flight in accordance with
the AOT.
Repetitive Inspections
(b) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD:
Perform a detailed inspection of the fuel pumps, and an eddy current
inspection of the fuel pump canisters, to detect damage. Do the
inspections in accordance with paragraph 4.3 of Airbus AOT A300-600-
28A6075, dated February 20, 2003. Replace any damaged part with a
new part before further flight in accordance with the AOT. Repeat
the inspections at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles.
(c) Within 7,000 flight cycles after canister replacement as
specified in paragraph (b) of this AD: Perform an eddy current
inspection of the fuel pump canisters to detect damage in accordance
with Airbus AOT A300-600-28A6075, dated February 20, 2003. Replace
any damaged part with a new part before further flight in accordance
with the AOT. Thereafter repeat the inspection at intervals not to
exceed 1,500 flight cycles.
Note 2: Airbus AOT A300-600-28A6075 refers to Airbus Alert
Service Bulletin A300-28A6061, Revision 04, dated August 1, 2002, as
an additional source of service information for accomplishment of
the eddy current inspection required by paragraph (b)(2) of this AD.
Reporting Requirement
(d) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (d)(1) or
(d)(2) of this AD: Submit a report of findings (both positive and
negative) of each inspection required by this AD, in accordance with
Airbus AOT A300-600-28A6075, dated February 20, 2003. Information
collection requirements contained in this AD have been approved by
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and
have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) For any inspection accomplished after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after performing that
inspection.
(2) For any inspection accomplished before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date
of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods
of compliance for this AD.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
telegraphic airworthiness directive 2003-085 (B), dated February 21,
2003.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 10, 2003.
Kevin Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-31182 Filed 12-17-03; 8:45 am]
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